I first learned of
Richard Cizik by way of Bill Moyers's PBS documentary, "Is God Green." At this point, Cizik was the chief lobbyist for the National Association of Evangelicals, making it his mission to warn fellow evangelicals about the dangers of global climate change. The message of "creation care" resonated with some. But for many with politically conservative leanings, Cizik had joined an "unholy alliance" with the political left. Indeed, one time Cizik was on CNN alongside Jerry Falwell, who proclaimed that only "liberal Democrats, blue-helmeted UN types, and misinformed evangelicals" believe in global warming.

Winters writes for the National Catholic Reporter, where he also blogs at "Distinctly Catholic." In our conversation, he explains what compelled him to write this biography. Winters then discusses Falwell's early career, his rise to political prominence, his curious friendships with the likes of Larry Flynt, and his "mixed" legacy as it relates to American religious and political culture.

Also, just in case you missed it, a few weeks ago, Michael Pasquier spoke with Jeff Wilson about his new book, Dixie Dharma: Inside a Buddhist Temple in the American South. Wilson is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and East Asian Studies at Renison University College, University of Waterloo, in Ontario, Canada. During this conversation, Wilson talks about his ethnographic and historical study of a Buddhist community in Richmond, Virginia. He provides unique insight into the pluralistic dimensions of religion in the contemporary South.